Panel: Human Rights and the LGBT Community in Russia

Given the international attention drawn to Russia during the Olympics, the time may be ripe to apply international pressure to put an end to the country's human rights abuses, especially towards the LGBT community. A panel of three speakers will discuss the ongoing dangers and challenges faced by the LGBT community in Russia, including the impacts of the recent anti-gay "propaganda" law. The panel will also discuss the potential avenues to alleviate these abuses, considering both legal and non-legal means.

Speakers:

Dr. Thomas Garza is an expert on Russian culture, history, and youth movements at the UT Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies.

Dr. Mark Hopkins, also of the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, recently pursued doctoral research in Russia and experienced first-hand the intolerance suffered by the LGBT community there.